Engage

Finally, 200mm Drop! // The 2021 Fox Transfer Dropper Post, Reviewed

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Nov 23, 2020

With its launch, the Transfer post bucked all the trends and gave us exactly what we wanted. Cable actuation. Internal routing. An incredibly smooth action, and internals that required very little maintenance. Now, for 2021, Fox has further refined the post and given us a model with 200mm of drop.

Industry Nine System Wheels: Explained & Reviewed

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Aug 11, 2020

A Ferrari isn’t a Ferrari just because it’s fast. It has to look and sound the part, and when you mount a set of System Wheels up to your bike, that’s what you get -performance and aesthetics that a $600 wheelset simply can't match. Learn why in this review of Industry Nine's EN315 System wheels.

RockShox ZEB - Reviewed

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Jul 08, 2020

Bikes like the new Wreckoning are designed to be piloted down the roughest terrain without batting an eye, but that all starts with the fork. With the ZEB, RockShox introduces a purpose-built 38mm diameter single-crown fork to their line-up, created specifically to keep your front wheel tracking true no matter what you point yourself down.

Why Fox's 36 and 38 are so good, and Variable Valve Control (VVC) Explained

Product Guides / Dan Perl / Jul 07, 2020

2021 is the year that Fox Shocks opened the floodgates and let their engineers go wild. We see more changes in the product line-up than in any previous launch. Almost everything has been altered, from the X2 and DHX2 to the Transfer dropper, to the Fox 34, 36, 40, and a new enduro fork, the 38.

Transition Spur / Revel Ranger - Reviewed and Compared

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Jun 30, 2020

These are bikes we think hit all the marks but that have slightly different heritage and sensibilities. We'll break down the differences and examine what might push you towards one or the other.

Transition: 2020 Sentinel Rundown

Product Guides / Dan Perl / May 01, 2020

For 2020, Transition has refined the Sentinel into a weapon that is versatile and capable enough to be your sole bike. With sharp, fast lines, increased travel and progressivity, and a laundry-list of updated features, this bike should be high on your list of dream bikes.

"Fusion Fiber" - A Stronger, Smoother Rolling Rim from Revel... And It's Recyclable

Product Guides / Dan Perl / Feb 27, 2020

Revel has launched their own line of rims, using a different kind of carbon thermoplastic that is not only stronger, lighter, and less brittle, but makes it the first rim whose life doesn't end in the landfill.

Ibis: Ripmo V2 Rundown

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Feb 18, 2020

Ibis made a magic bullet with the Ripmo when it launched in early 2018. This tangerine-sky-colored beauty was something of a unicorn bike, combining all of the hottest buzzwords: enduro, 29er, reduced offset, water bottle, 2.6” tire, and more. With it they made a mountain bike that could be ridden, and more importantly, loved, by everyone out there.

Transition's 2020 Scout Carbon SBG - Reviewed

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Feb 14, 2020

Why has the Scout always been my go-to recommendation? As I see it, it is the perfect do-it-all bike for anyone who isn’t hell-bent on smashing technical downhill trails as fast as you can. It has enough travel that it certainly can do that, but also not so much that it’s soaking up your speed on smoother flow/jump trails, or making long alpine single-track into a death-march… basically, it’s a bike that keeps biking fun, which is why the vast majority of us do it.

Transition Patrol #OnCoil - Reviewed

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Oct 29, 2019

This 160mm travel, long, slack, and low enduro sled using Speed Balanced Geometry, or SBG, which features reduced offset forks from Fox and Rockshox, long front centers, steep seat tube angles, and extremely short stems.

Ridden and Reviewed: Ibis Mojo HD5

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Sep 24, 2019

"I loved my HD4, but there were a few things that I wanted to be different; namely, I wanted a slightly longer reach without feeling more stretched out while pedaling, I wanted a slightly longer wheelbase, and I wanted a slacker head-tube angle. With the HD5 Ibis has addressed all those items, while making the bike a hair lighter and stiffer than before! I love it." - Dan at Fanatik

Ibis: Ripmo AF Review

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Sep 10, 2019

Introducing the Ripmo AF, Ibis's revised take on what a gnarly 29'er enduro bike could be. With a one-degree slacker head-tube than the carbon Ripmo, and the ability to run a coil-sprung shock, this bike is built to take on whatever abuse you can throw at it: days in the bike park, enduro races, or all day pedals.

Who Is: Onyx Racing Products / Vesper Hub Update

Brand Highlights / Dan Perl / Jul 12, 2019

Sprag clutch equipped, & offered in every axle size and color combination imaginable, from Boost 148 to Super Boost.

Ibis Ripley 4 - Reviewed

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Jun 15, 2019

Believe it or not, the Ripley has now entered its fourth generation. Once described by Ibis founder Scot Nicol as “the best bike for most people,” the Ripley is a 120mm rear travel 29’er, long beloved by riders and testers around the world.

The Relationship Between Fork Offset, Headtube Angle, and Wheel Size: Trail

How To / Dan Perl / May 16, 2019

Reduced offset forks - these have been the hot topic in the ever-changing world of mountain bikes this past year. First they showed up on Transition’s Speed Balanced Geometry bikes, then on the Ibis Ripmo, the Gen 4 Ripley, and slew of other bikes. Fork offset has always been a component of bike design, but until last year it was as un-glamourous as the length of your head-tube. This begs the question, why the sudden change in fork offsets, and why does everyone seem to care about it now? To understand that, let’s first take a look at what it is, and how it affects your bike.

Forbidden Druid Review

Product Reviews / Joe Crosby / Apr 03, 2019

The famed “Looks like a Session” Pinkbike quote doesn't apply here. A mere passing glance at the Forbidden Druid warrants a double-take. There’s something seriously different going on with this 130mm travel 29'er, & it’s not witchcraft...it’s wizardry. Learn more about the high single pivot, the idler pulley, and more.

The lowdown on Shimano XTR M9100

Product Guides / Jadyn W. / Feb 14, 2019

Shimano stepped up to the plate with a whopping 10-51T range on the M9100 “Wide Range” cassette. That’s a 510% gearing range, which slightly edges out SRAM Eagle by 10%.

Who is: PUSH Industries & the ELEVENSIX

Brand Highlights / Dan Perl / Nov 16, 2018

If you are seeking pro-level suspension performance for your bike, the ELEVENSIX is the perfect piece of turnkey hardware- A no-fuss purpose built shock for your weight, your bike, and your riding style. Unmatched by any mass-produced suspension, if you want the best of the best, the ELEVENSIX is the first choice.

Evil Offering - Reviewed

Product Reviews / Jadyn W. / Sep 28, 2018

The lines are once again blurred, as Evil introduces a new big wheeled steed to their lineup. Being a pioneering company of the 29'er revolution, Evil knows a thing or two about making the most of the 29"-wheeled platform.

Bellingham YMCA Triobike Taxi

Community / Dan Perl / Sep 05, 2018

The Bellingham YMCA's Director of Healthy Living, approached us about helping source a Triobike passenger tricycle from the Danish company, we said "of course!"

Freehub Magazine: Pillars of Bellingham

Community / Dan Perl / Sep 05, 2018

Freehub Magazine delves in to what makes these two self starters tick, and showcases their passion for the sport that brings us all together: mountain biking.

2018 Juliana Ride Out

Community / Dan Perl / Aug 07, 2018

These gatherings bring together adventurous women for a day of learning, bonding, food, and of course, mountain biking!

2018 Fanatik Dealer Demo Day - Recap

Community / Dan Perl / Jun 08, 2018

Every year Fanatik Bike Co. has a huge demo day for our customers, where we bring in all our bike brands and demo fleets to showcase the best of what they have to offer and let folks take the bikes out for some ride time.

Ibis Ripmo: First Ride Impressions

Product Reviews / Brian Chapel / Mar 29, 2018

A genre-defying 29'er, the Ibis Ripmo is part enduro, part all-mountain, and part trail bike. A 160mm of reduced offset fork, 145mm DW-link rear suspension, and a light carbon fiber frame make a bike that rips on both the ups and downs.

Cane Creek Helm Fork - Reviewed

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Jan 31, 2018

The Helm is designed to conquer aggressive trail, enduro racing, and anything in between. By isolating each damping and air spring adjustment, the Helm has the ability to be tuned for all typ...

Bell Super DH - Reviewed

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Jan 17, 2018

The Super DH is the successor to Bell’s Super 3R. That helmet sought to capitalize on the “enduro” craze by offering a halfshell to which you could affix a chinbar.

Transition Sentinel - Reviewed

Product Reviews / Jadyn W. / Jan 08, 2018

Transition’s wildest ride yet Chasing dreams in the woods. Those of you that know me are probably aware of my affection for 29” wheels.

Ibis Mojo HD4 Review

Product Reviews / Conor Barry / Nov 30, 2017

The folks at Ibis have been hard at work over the last year or so year, releasing four new models. I’ve been lucky enough to throw a leg over the Mojo 3, Ripley LS and the Mojo HD4 this year.

Evil Following MB - Reviewed

Product Reviews / Jadyn W. / Aug 23, 2017

The Following MB is improved in many ways, and all-in-all is a more refined bike compared to the V1 Following.

Ibis Ripley Gen 3 Review

Product Reviews / Brian Chapel / Jul 19, 2017

It’s fun, nimble, climbs like a mountain goat, and has confidence inspiring geometry.

Ibis Mojo 3 Long Term Review

Product Reviews / Conor Barry / Jul 04, 2017

The Mojo 3 a jack-of-all-trades. It’s a balanced trail bike that does most everything very well.

Who Is: ANVL Components

Brand Highlights / Dan Perl / Feb 22, 2017

ANVL is a maker of high quality mountain bike components, based right next door to us here in Bellingham, WA. From carbon and alloy handlebars to titanium railed saddles, they make everything you need to outfit your new enduro shred rig for your next adventure. Here we review their full line up, and talk with them about the future of MTB.

Fox Transfer Dropper - Midterm Review

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Dec 20, 2016

The Fox Transfer dropper seat post is the long-awaited update to their reliable but un-sightly D.O.S.S. post, and with it they have succeeded in creating a dropper that checks all the marks, from reliability and durability, to improved ergonomics and aesthetics. With internally and externally routed options, this reasonably priced post should definitely be on your short-list..

Evil Calling - Ridden and Reviewed

Product Reviews / Jadyn Welch / Dec 01, 2016

The Calling is a bike that loves to go play in the woods. I found the bike to be right at home on fast, flowy trails with lots of pop.

Mountain Bike Handlebar Setup

How To / Dan Perl / Nov 18, 2016

Setting up your mountain bike's handlebar and controls is crucial to making it feel comfortable and intuitive to ride. Get all the tips and tricks here.

Custom Industry Nine Wheels - All You Need to Know

Product Guides / Jadyn W. / Nov 09, 2016

We take quite a lot of pride in our wheel building program here at Fanatik. We’ve recently partnered with Industry Nine as their exclusive USA wheel building pa...

How to Take MTB Photos that are Less Boring

How To / Conor Barry / Oct 12, 2016

The suggestions and tips in this article will have you returning from your mountain bike adventures with rad photos that you and your friends are sure to be stoked on.

PUSH ElevenSix Reviewed: First Impressions

Product Reviews / Jadyn W. / Oct 06, 2016

With the knowledge gained over decades of tuning suspension, PUSH went to the drawing board to create the most customizable and tunable rear shock the mountain bike world has seen.

Ibis Cycles: the Ripley LS and the Mojo 3 Reviewed

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Sep 13, 2016

The Ibis Ripley LS 29'er and the Mojo 3 27.5+ mountain bikes are both strong contenders in today's trail bike market. Which is right for you?

Bicycle Theft and How to Avoid It

How To / Dan Perl / Aug 05, 2016

The first line of defense against bike theft is straight up common sense. The majority of these thefts are crimes of opportunity.

Basic Mountain Bike Maintenance

How To / Dan Perl / Jul 13, 2016

With the tips that we'll run through in the following video clips, you can rest assured that your bike will run smoothly in between more in-depth maintenance intervals.

What to do in case of a predatory animal encounter

How To / Dan Perl / Jul 12, 2016

Here in the Pacific Northwest we have had numerous recent reports of predatory animal sightings, from bears to mountain lions.

Evil: The Insurgent and The Wreckoning Reviewed

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Mar 14, 2016

At this point you may be wondering: what does the Wreckoning do that the Insurgent doesn’t? Why might I want one versus the other?

How to Adjust the Geometry on your DELTA Suspension Evil

How To / Dan Perl / Mar 03, 2016

We are here today to discuss one of DELTA’s biggest strengths: adjustable geometry. Or in other words, the ability to transform your Evil from a playful, nimble...

Raceface Love Handle Grip Review

Product Reviews / Dan Perl / Sep 15, 2015

It is a highly contoured grip, with the diameter tapering from 30mm in the middle of the grip to a thinner 28mm near the ends, before expanding to the love handles at the edges from which they derive their name.